Client Comments

A note from Russ White: Working with the boards of nonprofit organizations gives me the chance to collaborate with people who want to make a difference in the world. They want to do things that matter — and to do them well. Here are some I’ve worked with, and what they have to say . . .

“Second Harvest had reached a plateau as a mature organization. Russ guided us through a process that concentrated on our strengths and emerging opportunities to create a new strategic framework for future planning. His methods reflect the latest thinking in board development. Both staff and board leadership agree that the process was productive and of great value to our organization. Thanks to Russ’s creative approach, Second Harvest is re-energized and re-engaged in our mission.”

“As the Director of Training at BoardSource and the person who oversees our Certified Governance Trainer program, I have had several opportunities to work with and see Russ in action. Russ understands the intricacies of nonprofit governance and how boards of directors operate. When you combine this with his comfort level working with nonprofits of all shapes and sizes as well his ability to manage personalities and understand situations, he is the rare consultant that can be recommended to a wide variety of nonprofits across the sector. BoardSource is excited to continue our relationship with Russ as we move into 2014 and beyond.”

“Russ White has years of solid experience supporting and advising boards of non-profit organizations. As a member, and later, Chair of the Board of Directors, Christian Board of Publication/ Chalice Press, I had an opportunity to work closely with him and observe his strengths. Those include strategic thinking, succession planning, and new board member orientation and training. I was most impressed by Russ’ drive to ensure that our board was following ‘best practices’ for governing nonprofits.”

“Russ has given leadership and counsel to the Pension Fund in the transition of its board of directors from a ‘president’s council’ into a governance board, which has been crucial to success in uncertain economic times. More recently, Russ has helped the board of directors evaluate, amend and recommit to strong governance policies. Professional and insightful in his leadership, Russ has helped us ask the very tough and pithy questions that are never comfortable but must be confronted.“

“New org. New board. More questions than answers. That’s where the Red Umbrella Project was when we began working with Russ and South Cabin Group. Russ helped us develop our priorities, through understanding our risk, and gave us a great foundation. Russ clearly understands organizations, boards, risk, development, and how to communicate well. Even better, he taught us all that, simultaneously empowering us to make cogent decisions. With that strong foundation, we’re ready to face the challenges that growth brings.”

“As a member of the new board of Bethany Fellowships, I looked forward to working with Russ because I had heard of his leadership skills. Russ led us through the process of developing our governance policy and his reputation is well deserved. He is organized, creative and, in my opinion, one of the top leaders of board development.”